304 Market Street
This firehouse at 304 Market Street (south side of street between Madison Straight Streets) was built in 1861 to house Vigilant Engine Company 6 (originally organized January 1st, 1867) of the Volunteer Fire Department. This location should not be confused with the later-built firehouse at Market and Pennington Streets (476 Market Street). The firehouse is shown below when occupied by Vigilant 6 hand pumper.
Rae photo of 304 Market Street Firehouse with the piano box hand pumper of Vigilant 6
Shown below is the stone plaque from the 304 Market Street firehouse that commemorates the company organization date. A companion plaque was marked Vigilant 6. It is seen to the right of the door in above photo.
Dayspring Collection
In 1888 the Fire Department was reorganized by a special committee consisting of Aldermen In 1888 the Fire Department was reorganized by a special committee consisting of Aldermen Macdonald, Miller and Kearney, and a partially paid department or "Call System" succeeded the volunteer system on March 20th, 1890, with four permanent men in nine engine and three hook and ladder companies, and eight call men to each. The fulltime men consisted of Captains, Engineers, Drivers and Tillermen as well as the chief, and two assistants.
Chronological Listing of Events Companies at 304 Market Street
March 5, 1890: Nominations confirmed by Aldermen
Courtesy Jim Eifler
March 20, 1890: The transition from a totally volunteer department to partially paid "Call System" occurred and Vigilant Engine Company Six became Engine Company 6.
Apparatus was a Second Size Clapp & Jones Steam Fire Engine, purchased in 1886.
Hose wagon built by John Post, in good condition, carried 700 feet of hose, and two 3-gallon extinguishers.
Apparatus was a Second Size Clapp & Jones Steam Fire Engine, purchased in 1886.
Hose wagon built by John Post, in good condition, carried 700 feet of hose, and two 3-gallon extinguishers.
Initial Roster: Engine Company 6
Captain Stewart Taylor
Engineer Alex S. Thoms, Drivers Allison Roswell and John W. Boden
Callmen: Thomas Checkley, Josiah Barton, John Frolich, James Thomas, Frank McLaughlin, John Hart, Henry Titus, Henry E. Burton
Captain Stewart Taylor
Engineer Alex S. Thoms, Drivers Allison Roswell and John W. Boden
Callmen: Thomas Checkley, Josiah Barton, John Frolich, James Thomas, Frank McLaughlin, John Hart, Henry Titus, Henry E. Burton
May 4, 1891:
Courtesy Jim Eifler
April 1, 1895: Chief Engineer Annual Report
Manpower Assignment for Engine 6
Manpower Assignment for Engine 6
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Badge Name Rank
61 Edward J. Coleman Captain 62 Frank Costello Engineer 63 James O'Neil Driver 64 Louis Hasser Driver 68 John Bland Extra Engineer |
Badge Name Rank
65 Thomas Checkley Callman 66 Josiah Barton Callman 67 John Frolich Callman 69 Frank McLaughlin Callman 70 Benjamin Sanderson Callman 71 Edwin Kirwin Callman 72 Marinus Heintjes Callman |
Apparatus: 1886 second size Clapp and Jones in good condition. John Post hose wagon with 700' hose, 2 three gallon extinguishers, 1 roof ladder
August 1, 1891: Firefighter Alex Thoms of Engine No. 6 invents steamer valve
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September 4, 1891: Minor accident at firehouse
Courtesy Jim Eifler
September 26, 1891: Reception at firehouse
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Courtesy Jim Eifler
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June 30, 1895: The firehouse closed and Engine Company 6 moved to its new quarters at 476 Market Street (at Pennington Street).